Michigan to Florida
Certified by
Tim DeMille
Auto Transport Expert
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MICHIGAN TO FLORIDA
Shipping from Michigan to Florida
Planning to move your vehicle from the Great Lakes State to the Sunshine State? Michigan to Florida car shipping is one of America’s most popular auto transport routes. Whether you’re relocating for work, escaping winter weather, or buying a car across state lines, professional car shipping services make the 1,200+ mile journey simple and stress-free. Here’s everything you need to know about auto transport costs, timing, and tips.
Average Distance, Time and Cost
MI
Michigan
FL
Florida
Popular Routes from Michigan to Florida
Key Takeaways From This Article
Auto Transport from Michigan to Florida
Michigan to Florida car shipping typically costs $925-$1,250 and takes 1-5 days to complete the 1,226-mile journey via major interstate highways like I-75.
Our Michigan & Florida Customers
Sherpa Auto Transport stands out with transparent pricing backed by our Price Lock Promise, 4.9-star ratings from 8,000+ reviews, and a BBB A+ rating for reliable service.
Factors that Impact Cost
Seasonal demand is the most important cost factor, with winter snowbird season (November-March) creating higher prices due to increased Michigan-to-Florida migration.
Tips and Tricks to Save
Book during off-season months (January-March) and offer flexible pickup dates to save hundreds of dollars on your Michigan to Florida car shipment.
How Car Shipping Works
The vehicle inspection at pickup is the most critical step, as it documents your car’s condition before the long journey from Michigan’s harsh climate to Florida’s tropical weather.
State Insights
Michigan requires annual vehicle registration while Florida uses a birth-month system, so new residents must register within 30 days of establishing Florida residency.
What Sherpa’s Customers are Saying
The Sherpa Difference
TRANSPARENCY
Our Price Lock Promise ensures you know exactly what you’ll pay, with no hidden fees or last-minute surprises.
NATIONWIDE COVERAGE
Whether you’re shipping your vehicle across the state or across the country, our extensive network of carriers ships to all 50 states all year round.
CUSTOMER FIRST APPROACH
Sherpa has a 4.87 average customer rating with over 7,000 five-star reviews. We were recognized by Auto Business Outlook as the Top Automotive Shipping Provider in 2023 for our commitment to customer service.
CARRIER QUALITY
We carefully evaluate transportation records, accident history, and customer feedback to vet every one of our carriers. If a carrier does not meet our high standards, we do not use them.
EXPERT HANDLING
From classic cars, everyday vehicles, motorcycles and more, we have the expertise to manage all types of auto transport needs with care and precision.
Popular Routes from Michigan to Florida
Factors that Affect Michigan to Florida Shipping Prices
Distance
The 1,200+ mile journey from Michigan to Florida significantly impacts shipping costs. Longer distances require more fuel, driver time, and wear on transport equipment, making this cross-country route more expensive than shorter hauls.
Route
Michigan-Florida shipping follows major interstate highways like I-75, keeping costs reasonable. These well-traveled routes offer better carrier availability and competitive pricing compared to remote pickup or delivery locations off main highways.
Season
Winter months see higher demand as Michigan residents escape cold weather for Florida sunshine. Peak snowbird season (November-March) increases shipping costs, while summer offers better rates and faster service.
Vehicle Type
Compact cars cost less to ship than large SUVs or trucks from Michigan to Florida. Heavier vehicles consume more fuel and take valuable trailer space, increasing transport costs significantly.
Traffic Considerations
Holiday periods like Thanksgiving create heavy traffic on the Michigan-Florida corridor. Scheduling shipments outside peak travel times helps avoid delays and potential surcharges from increased road congestion and driver hours.
Carrier Availability
Winter snowbird migration creates high carrier demand for Michigan-Florida routes. Book early during peak season or consider off-season shipping for faster service and better availability at lower costs.
Open vs Enclosed
Open trailers offer affordable Michigan-Florida shipping for most vehicles. Choose enclosed transport for luxury cars, classics, or protection from road debris during the long interstate journey south.
Population Density
Dense Michigan cities like Detroit or Florida metros like Miami increase shipping costs. Consider suburban pickup/delivery locations with easier truck access to reduce fees and scheduling complications.
Tips & Tricks for Saving on Vehicle Shipping
Off Season Savings
Avoid peak snowbird season (October-December) when many Michigan residents move to Florida. Shipping during slower months like January-March can save hundreds of dollars on transport costs.
Flexible Pickup & Delivery
Offer carriers a five-day pickup and delivery window instead of exact dates. This flexibility allows drivers to optimize their routes, passing savings directly to you.
Hub City Advantages
Choose pickup locations near major Michigan highways like I-75 or I-94, and delivery spots near Florida interstates. Highway-accessible locations attract more carriers, creating competitive pricing.
Open Trailers
Open trailers cost significantly less than enclosed options for standard vehicles. Reserve enclosed transport only for luxury, classic, or high-value cars needing extra weather protection.
Learn More About Open vs. Enclosed Trailers
How does Car Shipping from Michigan to Florida Work?
Car shipping from Michigan to Florida is a popular auto transport route that covers approximately 1,226 miles through multiple states. The process begins when you request a quote from Sherpa Auto Transport and book your shipment. Our carriers use major interstate highways like I-75 South, which provides a direct path from Michigan through Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia before reaching Florida.
Michigan to Florida car shipping requires special attention to weather conditions, especially during winter months when Michigan experiences snow and ice. Our experienced drivers plan routes carefully to avoid severe weather delays. Florida’s year-round warm climate means your vehicle will transition from potentially cold conditions to tropical weather during transport.
The auto transport process starts with vehicle pickup at your Michigan location, where our driver conducts a thorough inspection and documents your car’s condition. Your vehicle is then loaded onto either an open or enclosed carrier truck. During the 1-5 day journey, you can track your shipment’s progress as it travels south toward Florida.
Upon arrival in Florida, our carrier contacts you to schedule delivery at your specified location. The driver performs a final inspection with you present, comparing the vehicle’s condition to the original pickup report. Most Michigan to Florida car shipping services cost between $925-$1250, depending on factors like vehicle size, transport type, and seasonal demand. This route typically takes 1-5 days to complete, making it an efficient option for snowbirds, college students, or anyone relocating between these states.
Michigan to Florida Car Transport: State Insights and Regulations
When planning Michigan to Florida car shipping, understanding the regulatory differences between states helps ensure a smooth transition. Michigan requires annual vehicle registration renewal, while Florida operates on a staggered system based on your birth month. New Florida residents must register their vehicles within 30 days of establishing residency, making timely auto transport coordination essential for your move.
Vehicle regulations vary significantly between these states. Michigan mandates annual safety inspections in some counties, while Florida has no statewide inspection requirements. However, Florida enforces stricter window tinting laws, allowing only 28% light transmission on front side windows compared to Michigan’s more lenient standards. Additionally, Florida has specific regulations on vehicle modifications, including frame height restrictions that may affect lifted trucks or modified vehicles during car shipping.
Preparing your vehicle for the climate change is crucial when moving from Michigan’s harsh winters to Florida’s tropical environment. Remove winter-specific items like snow tires, ice scrapers, and emergency winter kits before auto transport. Consider scheduling maintenance to address any salt corrosion damage common in Michigan vehicles, as Florida’s humidity can accelerate existing rust issues. Your car shipping company should inspect these conditions before transport.
Insurance requirements differ notably between states. Michigan operates under a unique no-fault insurance system with mandatory Personal Injury Protection (PIP), while Florida uses a no-fault system with lower minimum coverage requirements. Florida requires only $10,000 in Personal Injury Protection and Property Damage Liability, compared to Michigan’s higher mandates. Contact your insurance provider before your Michigan to Florida car shipping to understand coverage changes and ensure continuous protection. Some insurers offer discounts for Florida residents due to reduced winter driving risks, potentially lowering your premiums after the move.
Michigan to Florida Vehicle Transport FAQs
Preparing your vehicle for shipping from Michigan to Florida is simple but important. Here’s what you need to do:
Before pickup:
- Remove all personal items from inside your car
- Take out toll passes, GPS devices, and any loose accessories
- Clean your vehicle and take photos of any existing damage
- Make sure you have less than 1/4 tank of gas
- Remove or secure any custom parts like spoilers or bike racks
- Check that your car battery is charged and tires are properly inflated
Have ready for the driver:
- A working set of keys
- Your driver’s license and insurance card
- Any special instructions about your vehicle
For complete details, check our Vehicle Shipping Tips page. Following these steps helps ensure your car arrives safely in Florida and avoids any delays during pickup in Michigan.
Yes, your vehicle is fully insured during transport from Michigan to Florida. All Sherpa Auto Transport carriers must carry a minimum of $1,000,000 in liability insurance and $100,000 in cargo insurance.
Before your car leaves Michigan, we verify that your carrier’s insurance is active and valid. We also require all carriers to add Sherpa as a Certificate Holder on their policy. This gives you extra protection during your Michigan to Florida car shipment.
Your vehicle is covered from pickup to delivery. If any damage occurs during transport, the carrier’s insurance will handle your claim. We help coordinate the process to make it as smooth as possible for you.
We recommend scheduling your car pickup from Michigan at least 2-3 weeks in advance. However, booking even earlier gives you the best chance of getting your preferred dates and lower rates.
Here’s why early booking helps:
- Better carrier availability – More drivers can fit your shipment into their routes
- Lower costs – Carriers can bundle multiple vehicles going to Florida
- Flexible scheduling – You’ll have more pickup date options
Michigan to Florida is a popular route, especially during winter months when many people relocate to warmer weather. During peak season (October through March), we suggest booking 3-4 weeks ahead to secure your spot.
Need to ship last-minute? We can often accommodate rush orders, but expect higher rates and limited scheduling options.
No payment is due at the time of booking. We do require a payment method on file so that it is available to charge once a carrier is secured. We accept all major debit and credit cards, including Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express. The most convenient option is to pay for your shipment in full by credit card at the time a carrier is secured.
We also allow you to pay for your Initial Payment via credit or debit card and then pay the outstanding balance on delivery day via cash or a certified check made out to the carrier.
Your Sherpa shipment includes up to 100 lbs of personal items or household goods stored in the trunk area or secured below the window line. If you are shipping to or from a port or your shipment includes ocean transit, your vehicle must be emptied of all items. Sherpa and your assigned carrier cannot be responsible for personal items left inside the vehicle. See our Vehicle Shipping Tips for more details.
Yes. It is important that you, or another adult that you trust, is there for pickup and delivery of your vehicle. This designated person plays an important role in the shipping process including documenting the state of the vehicle and signing the Bill of Lading, which acts as a receipt of the vehicle’s condition.
Open auto transport uses open trailers where your car is exposed to weather and road debris. This is the most common and affordable option, costing about 50% less than enclosed transport. Your vehicle will be secure but not protected from rain, snow, or dust during the Michigan to Florida journey.
Enclosed auto transport ships your car inside a covered trailer, protecting it from weather and road debris. This premium service costs more but is worth it for luxury cars, classic vehicles, or cars with custom paint jobs that need extra protection during the long haul from Michigan’s harsh winters to Florida’s sunny climate.
Most people choose open transport for everyday vehicles since it’s reliable and budget-friendly. Consider enclosed transport if your car is worth over $50,000 or has sentimental value. See our open vs enclosed auto transport guide for a detailed comparison.
Yes, Sherpa Auto Transport offers door-to-door service for all shipments from Michigan to Florida. This means we’ll pick up your car from your home, office, or any address you choose in Michigan and deliver it directly to your new location in Florida.
When you book your shipment, simply provide us with your pickup address in Michigan and delivery address in Florida. Our carrier will come right to these locations to handle your vehicle. This saves you time and hassle – no need to drive to a terminal or meet at a distant location.
In rare cases where large trucks can’t safely access your exact address (like narrow streets or low-hanging branches), our driver will work with you to find a nearby safe spot. This might be a local gas station, shopping center, or wide street just a few blocks away. We always coordinate this with you in advance.
Door-to-door service is included in all our Michigan to Florida auto transport quotes at no extra charge. It’s just part of our commitment to making your move as smooth as possible.
Many Auto Transport companies try to tease customers with lower rates, only to surprise you with “hidden costs” later. At Sherpa Auto Transport, we do things differently. We provide one locked-in price upfront and stick to it. If unexpected costs arise, we pay them out of our own pocket.
While we may not always be the cheapest option at first glance, our commitment to transparency and reliability offers exceptional value. As a premium service, we ensure an stress-free experience from start to finish.
We transport sedans, SUVs, pickup trucks, vans and motorcycles across the nation, including service to Alaska and Hawaii. At this time, we do not service boats, golf carts, ATVs, or RVs. We can ship both operable and inoperable vehicles so long as the vehicle can roll, brake, and steer, and that you can provide the carrier with a key to the vehicle. We can also ship electric vehicles.
Visit Sherpa’s FAQ page to learn more about car shipping!